Michael Kightly scores as he and south Essex pal Dean Marney send Burnley into the Premier League

MICHAEL Kightly scored for the second game running to send the Burnley fans into dreamland and his team into the Premier League.

The Clarets beat Wigan 2-0 yesterday to seal second spot in the Championship and automatic promotion, sparking scenes of joy at Turf Moor.

Basildon-born Kightly netted his side’s second after Ashley Barnes had opened the scoring.

Former Southend United winger Kightly and Canvey’s Dean Marney – who set up Barnes’ opener - have both played vital roles in helping one of the smallest squads in the Championship reach the promised land of the Premier League.

Afterwards Kightly said: “It’s a great feeling. It’s been a long season but we thoroughly deserve it. We’ll enjoy this, then crack on next year.

“We never got complacent, we always stuck to the job. The boys have been different class and the fans have been magnificent.”

Burnley boss Sean Dyche said: “It feels marvellous and feels like the destination at the end of a long journey: an impressive journey from a group of people who are totally motivated and committed to stand the test of what a season is.

“I was promoted four times as a player and I know what it feels likes and what it takes as a player but doing it as a manager is an incredible feeling.”

One of the first tasks for Dyche as he makes plans for the Premier League is sorting out what to do with Kightly, who is on loan from Premier League Stoke City.